Metals and arsenic in eye shadows

The regulations relating to cosmetic products give no limit values for toxi c elements such as metals or arsenic occurring as impurities in cosmetic pr oducts. The present study of metals (lead, cobalt, nickel, chromium) and ar senic in eye shadows in 88 colors of 25 brands and 49 products provides a b asis for assessing the safety of eye shadow. 66 out of 88 (75%) of the colo rs contained more than 5 ppm of at least one of the elements, and all 49 pr oducts contained more than one 1 ppm of at least 1 of the elements. In one color, the amount of all elements was less than I ppm. The highest levels o f cobalt and nickel were 41 and 49 ppm, respectively. These levels were hig h enough to cause allergic symptoms in those previously sensitized. Further more, long-term exposure to such levels may probably sensitize. The concent rations of arsenic were extremely low 2.3 ppm at most. The level of lead wa s less than 20 ppm in all products. Accordingly, the concentrations of arse nic and lead seemed to be safe. 9 colors had concentrations of water-solubl e chromium exceeding 2 ppm, and a very high level, 318 ppm, was encountered in 1 case. The overall results indicate that eye-shadows probably have no significant systemic toxicological effects. The groups at greatest risk are those already sensitized to the allergenic elements. Such consumers will h ave difficulties in choosing suitable products, since these elements in the form of impurities are not declared in the list of ingredients. Manufactur ers should demand certification that the raw materials they buy contain no toxic elements. Although some of the products studied were acceptable, many had excessive levels of the elements from the consumer's viewpoint.